Model History

The M Coupe was first unveiled at the 1997 Frankfurt motor show. As the M-developed version of the Z3 coupe it sported one of three 24-valve six-cylinder engines originally developed by the BMW M Division for the E36/E46 M3. It also had an M-tuned chassis and several unique cosmetic parts including a more aggressive front with brake cooling ducts in place of fog lights, unique side vents with the M logo, curved M door mirrors, a lower rear bumper with four exposed exhaust tips, and a repositioned rear number plate.

The first M Coupes, with engines from the E36 M3, were built from June 2000 with the S50 engine in both LHD and RHD, and with the S52 engine in LHD only. After having been discontinued for more than six months, a revised M Coupe entered production in February 2001. These versions featured the more powerful and advanced S54 engine from the E46 M3. Just 165 S54 examples were produced in right-hand drive making the example shown here the rarest of the rare.

The interior of the M Coupe featured several unique items that included a chrome-ringed instrument cluster with red needles and an M logo on the tachometer, three auxiliary gauges in the centre console, heated sport seats with special pleated leather trim, a 375mm three-spoke M steering wheel with tri-color stitching and colour-matched accents, an illuminated M leather shift knob with the M logo on the shift pattern, an oval-shaped rear-view mirror, Nappa leather door pulls and centre console trim, chrome interior door handles, and door sill plates with the ‘M’ logo.

Depending on the market and production date, factory options for the M Coupe included side airbags, headlight washers, electric front seats, cruise control, rear partition net and load cover, electric sliding sunroof, various radios, and a Harmon/Kardon audio system.

Exterior

This example is one of just two right-hand drive S54s spec’d in magnificent Laguna Seca Blue. The paintwork is supremely glossy all round and remarkably well preserved, remaining in fantastic unblemished condition throughout. There are almost no stone chips to the front end and there are no signs of any road rash to those voluptuous rear hips. On closer inspection the car appears free from scratches, scuffs and car park dings, with hardly an imperfection in sight.

Interior

The supportive sports seats are upholstered in unmarked Black and Laguna Seca Nappa leather. This theme continues along the centre console to the dash, steering wheel and door cards, all of which retain a superb shine-free factory texture. There’s no marking to any of the gauges or delicate switchgear and even the driver’s seat bolster is without any notable wear. The immaculate carpets are still protected in the footwells by the original velour overmats, and in the boot you’ll find the retractable load cover and dog guard both present.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The coveted S54 engine is really what makes this car so special. The 3.2-litre naturally aspirated straight six – as used in the E46 M3 – found its way into just 165 right-hand drive M Coupes, making this example a rare beast indeed. The S54’s raspy exhaust note is intoxicating at high revs and the slick manual gearbox is a perfect accompaniment. This example boasts an all-BMW main dealer service history, with the most recent service having been carried out less than 200 miles ago.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The 17-inch dished alloys present immaculately in the correct Chrome Shadow paint. There’s almost no curb marking to be found and each of the centre badges appear as new. The wheels are wrapped in a matching set of Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres, 225/45 R17s at the front and 245/40 R17s at the rear, all with at least 7mm of tread remaining. On test the brakes perform well, the discs still showing plenty of meat left.

History File

This rare S54 M Coupe was first registered in March 2002. It is 1 of just 165 S54 examples in right-hand drive, and 1 of only 2 in Laguna Seca Blue. It was supplied new by Cooper BMW Teesside and has seen just four keepers since that time. The car has always been carefully stored when not in use, as evidenced by its exquisite condition and very low mileage of 33k. Amazingly it has only ever been maintained at BMW, with the most recent servicing having been carried out less than 200 miles ago. The original vehicle order form is still present in the paperwork along with the inspection sheet for the Running-in check, plenty of past MOT certificates, and a raft of BMW invoices.

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